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A sculpture by Maine artist Veronica A. Perez hangs on the wall in the Design Lab at the Maine MILL on June 5. Over the course of the past year, at several events and functions, local people had their hands cast into molds that Perez used to create the models, and then decorated them. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image
The floor-to-ceiling display of the Jacquard loom is the centerpiece of the new Maine MILL at 1 Beech St. A grand opening for the museum will be held June 27. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image
A winding machine is one of several pieces outside the building at the Maine MILL as seen on June 5. The bobbin winder allowed workers to wind a lot of yarn quickly and efficiently by automating the process. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image
The winding machine on display at the Maine MILL on 1 Beech St. in Lewiston, as seen on June 5. The bobbin winder allowed workers to wind a lot of yarn quickly and efficiently by automating the process. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image
There are several areas specifically designed for children at the Maine MILL, like the childrens center on the second floor where they can play, read and relax. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image
A section of the winding machine on display at the Maine MILL on 1 Beech St. in Lewiston, as seen on June 5. The bobbin winder allowed workers to wind a lot of yarn quickly and efficiently by automating the process. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image
Maine MILL Educator and Community Outreach Manager Mary Kate MacVicar prepares the Learning Center on June 6. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image
A lounge with a view of Simard-Payne Memorial Park and the Androscoggin River is just above the main entrance to the Maine MILL as seen on June 5, 2026. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image
The Saco-Lowell Spinning Frame: This machine builds on the hand spinning wheel. Dozens of fast-moving spindles twist roving into yarn simultaneously. Workers wound the finished yarn onto bobbins, preparing it for weaving. The machine is shown June 5 while workers were putting the finishing touches on the Maine MILL at 1 Beech St. in Lewiston, next to Simard-Payne Memorial Park. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image
A display that greets visitors to the Maine MILL on the first floor of the museum as seen on June 5. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image
The pattern cabinet kept Bates Mill patterns organized and protected. Inside were years of designs — ready for reuse, revival, or reinvention — now on display at the new Maine MILL at 1 Beech St. in Lewiston. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image

Ben Bragdon is managing editor of the Sun Journal. Prior to that, he was deputy managing editor for news at the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel. Ben was previously editorial page editor for those...

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